TN Nonimmigrant Status

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) established special economic and trade relationships between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Among the benefits that arose from NAFTA was the creation of nonimmigrant Trade NAFTA, or TN, nonimmigrant status. This classification was established to allow citizens of Canada and Mexico to enter the United States to engage in temporary business activities at a professional level. These professions include accountants, attorneys, engineers, scientists, and teachers, among others.

TN nonimmigrant professional workers may remain in the U.S. for as many as three years at a time. Extensions of stay may be granted in increments of up to three years. Further, there is no limit to the number of times a Mexican or Canadian citizen may apply and be granted TN nonimmigrant status so long as the stay is considered temporary.